Schools may wish to review their homework policies in response to the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI), according to a Department for Education document published today.
It comes after the release of ChatGPT in the autumn of 2022 caused waves in the schools sector, with questions raised over whether pupils could use it to cheat on assignments.
It follows a speech from the education secretary this morning setting out how AI may eventually cut teacher workload.
Below are the key need-to-knows from today’s document.
1. Schools may wish to review homework policies
Today’s departmental statement says that AI tools “can produce unreliable information”, and therefore any content produced “requires professional judgement to check appropriateness and accuracy”.
But at the same time, it warns schools they “may wish to review homework policies”.
It says they may want “to consider the approach to homework and other forms of unsupervised study as necessary to account for the availability of generative AI”.
2. Cybersecurity should be reviewed
The statement says that the education sector must continue to protect its data, resources, staff and pupils.
It said: “Education institutions should review and strengthen their cybersecurity, particularly as generative AI could increase the sophistication and credibility of attacks”.
It also reaffirms that institutions “must continue to protect their students from harmful content online”, including that which might be produced by generative AI.
3. Knowledge-rich curriculum ‘crucial’
The DfE said that AI tools can make certain written tasks quicker and easier “but cannot replace the judgement and deep subject knowledge of a human expert”.
It explains that to harness the potential of generative AI, “students will need to be knowledgeable and develop their intellectual capability”.
“Strong foundational knowledge ensures students are developing the right component skills to make the best use of generative AI. Therefore, a rigorous knowledge-rich curriculum will continue to be crucial in equipping students for the future”, it adds.
4. Prevent malpractice
Writing on formal assessment, the DfE statement says schools need to continue to take reasonable steps where applicable to prevent malpractice, “including malpractice involving use of generative AI”.
This comes after schools were told that some coursework contributing to assessment should be done “in class under direct supervision” to address concerns over the misuse of AI in new exam board guidance.
